Sun, Dec 12, 2010
Bell: Move Validates Aircraft's OEI, Other Capabilities
The FAA has completed its review and approval of the Bell 429
Category A Helipad Flight Manual Supplement, following earlier
approvals by EASA and Transport Canada. The finalization of the
Category A Helipad Flight Manual Supplement validates the 429's One
Engine Inoperable (OEI) capability. Equipped with two proven Pratt
& Whitney Canada 207D1/D2 engines, the 429 provides superior
Category A performance, outstanding hover performance and cruise
speeds cost effectively. Safety is enhanced by a 30-second OEI of
544kW (729shp), a 2-minute OEI of 523kW (701shp), and an impressive
continuous OEI of 488kW (655shp).
Bell 429 File Photo
The company announced the approval
Thursdy. "The 429 continues to exceed expectations at high
altitudes and in extreme temperatures," said Larry D. Roberts,
senior vice president Commercial Business. "Certified for
operations from ground level helipads, elevated helipads, runways
at maximum gross weight, on hot days and at altitude mean no
mission or operating environment is beyond reach."
The 429 was certified in mid-2009 as a
single-pilot instrument flight rules (SPIFR), Category A helicopter
under the latest requirements of Part 27 airworthiness rules by
Canadian, U.S. and European authorities. It is designed and built
to more stringent airworthiness standards than any other light,
twin-engine helicopter.
The 429's maintenance program is based
on Maintenance Steering Group 3 (MSG-3) practices that are the
foundation of airlines' unprecedented reliability. Bell says the
429 is the first rotorcraft to have its maintenance program
approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to these
high standards.
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